What is a mentor?

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A long while ago, I had a manager that felt strongly about developing people through personality-driven exercises.  One of these exercises focused on discovering your calling using ‘Calling Cards’.  Through this exercise, it was determined that I am highly realistic and social; my motivation (or natural calling) being 'bringing out potential by fixing things and helping people'.

Mentoring (or mentorship) is something that I feel strongly about.  A relationship of this manner has the power to strengthen, shape and build confidence in individuals (on both sides) that can be seen throughout many aspects of life.  Most people see mentoring as something that is official and pertains mostly to education and profession.  However, I see mentorship as any situation where someone seeks to improve an aspect of their life from someone that they trust and feel can provide helpful guidance.  Before you ask, no I am not an official (or documented) mentor.  I am someone who truly likes and cares for people.  I have several relationships where I act as both mentor and mentee.  I value these relationships greatly.  Each of them created growth, a bond and a friendship beyond words.

What’s the point?  If you are in a situation where the opportunity to build someone up exists, understand that that is a treasured gift that should be honored.  Don’t abuse the trust someone has bestowed upon you!

Quote of the Day:


“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”  - Pericles  

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